Abstract: Establishing a network connection. In one aspect, establishing a network connection includes: establishing a connection across a first communication network that carries audio signals; encoding a computer network address for a specified network different from the first network into an encoded network address and sending the encoded network address across the first network; and using said network address to establish a network connection on said second network. In one implementation, network connectivity functionality of a computer can be automatically accessed using telephone connectivity. Out-of-band signaling provides a spontaneous network collaboration capability by sending an Internet protocol (“IP”) address across a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) connection.

Abstract: Establishing a network connection. In one aspect, establishing a network connection includes: establishing a connection across a first communication network that carries audio signals; encoding a computer network address for a specified network different from the first network into an encoded network address and sending the encoded network address across the first network; and using the network address to establish a network connection on the second network. In one implementation, network connectivity functionality of a computer can be automatically accessed using telephone connectivity. Out-of-band signaling provides a spontaneous network collaboration capability by sending an Internet protocol (“IP”) address across a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) connection.

Abstract: A hard drive optimization function is provided to the set-up utility of the basic input/output service (BIOS) of a computer system. When executed, the optimization function benchmarks the hard drive's overall performance with sequential accesses for a number of transfer block sizes, employing various access block sizes for each transfer block size. In one embodiment, the optimization function determines the optimal transfer block size by comparing the average throughput (kbytes/sec) for the transfer block sizes examined. The average throughput for each transfer block size is determined through a number of sequential accesses made using the access block sizes. The access block sizes are systematically synthesized in accordance to a number of benchmarking parameters.

Abstract: A method of adaptive computer game play based on profiling. A set of important characteistics are defined for a game. The data relating to the important characteristics is accumulated during game play based on a defined granularity to which each important characteristic should be kept. A player profile reflecting the important characteristics kept to the defined granularity is derived. The player profile may be used to affect subsequent game play as, for example, a proxy for the creating player.

Abstract: A method of conducting virtual competitions based on player profiling. A plurality of player profiles are created and transmitted to a host. Two or more of the profiles are pitted against one another in a pseudo-game independent of any of profile's creator. A winner is determined based on resolution of a plurality of inflection points based on underlying constraints, random factors, and the opposing player profile(s).In one embodiment, a free-running avatar is associated with a player profile. It seeks other avatars to conduct pseudo-games to identify good opponents for the creator of the profiles involved. In another embodiment, large scale tournaments are sponsored in which entrants submit profiles to compete in exchange for demographic or promotional consideration.

Abstract: A motherboard assembly which has an integrated circuit socket that can be mated with either a single integrated circuit package or a multiple integrated circuit package module. The motherboard has a socket connector which can receive the external pins of an integrated circuit package. The motherboard also has an auxiliary connector that can mate with a corresponding connector-mounted to a daughterboard. Mounted to the daughterboard are a first integrated circuit package and a second integrated circuit package. Each package may contain a multi-processing microprocessor. The first integrated circuit package has a plurality of pins that mate with the socket connector. The daughterboard can be coupled to the motherboard by pressing the external pins of the first integrated circuit package into the socket connector and mating the auxiliary connectors. The present invention allows a plurality of processors to be plugged into a single socket without occupying a significant amount of space on the motherboard.